Autumn 2001

Shock and dismay dominated national and international reactions to the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Fear about potential copycat attacks on other population centers also surfaced. In Washington, armed vehicles patrolled streets the next morning. However, a few groups interpreted events differently, among them some of the Palestinians eking out a meagre existence in the West Bank. Some media coverage showed cheering women and children; to them, a blow had been struck against their "oppressors," as they viewed Israel and the "Jewish stronghold" of Manhattan, New York. They may have viewed the attacks as a justified payback for the killing of Abu Ali Mustafa. In addition, Saddam Hussein (who had been ejected from Kuwait by a US-led coalition a decade earlier), gleefully announced the news. Most other Muslim countries, however, condemned the attacks, including Saudi Arabia and PLO leader Arafat. In addition to bin Laden, fifteen out of the 19 hijackers had been Saudi citizens. Two came from the United Arab Emirates, one from Lebanon, and one from Egypt; none were Palestinian. Hezbollah, the militant Lebanon-based Shia group, denounced the targeting of civilians. Israeli PM Sharon urged the world to fight terrorism and declared a national day of mourning. The United Nations adopted Security Council Resolution 1368 the next day, calling on all member countries to co-operate in bringing the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the attacks to justice, and affirming that those responsible for supporting or harboring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors would be held accountable. By today's standards, the world stood (nearly) united that September in condemning the attacks on the US mainland. That is worth remembering in the age of fake news and post-truth. This short book recalls the events of that fateful autumn, and the consequences for people in the US, Afghanistan, Iraq and the rest of the globe. Like so many others on that horrible day, I watched the South Tower come down live that morning, a testimony to the power of television. As a father of two young sons I worried about their future, and what society was coming to. Therefore, apart from the ringleaders I have decided not to use any of the 19 hijackers' names. They have received enough publicity. This book is not about them; it focuses instead on how society changed as a result of their ruthless and cowardly actions, and the staggering cost of the War on Terror. Its consequences remain with us today. The conclusion elaborates on some lessons that can be learned, now that the Taliban have regained power in Afghanistan.